Donald Ray Brittingham, Jr. 70, of Galesburg, died at 7:08 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Don was born December 4, 1952 in Galesburg, the son of Donald Ray and Ila Alberta (Lufkin) Brittingham, Sr. Don married Sandra Sue Smith on July 8, 1988 in Burlington, Iowa. Don is survived by his wife, Sandy; one daughter, Tia Smith of Galesburg; one granddaughter, Destiny (Cody Helms) Coleman; and one great granddaughter, Kamiya Sue Helms. Don is also survived by one sister, Linda (Phil) Pecsi of East Galesburg, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by one brother, Alan Brittingham; one sister, Theresa Casteel; and one niece, Amanda Pecsi.
Don began his career at Gross Mfg and retired as head of maintenance from Carhartt in July 2000. He then worked at St. Mary’s Square Living Center for 11 years, fully retiring in 2011.
Don enjoyed tinkering around the house fixing things and tending to his yard. He loved to listen to Rock-N-Roll and was a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Most of all, Don loved being with his family and was a proud papa. The family would like to give special thanks to the ICU staff at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and Laura Hoyle for all the love and support.
Cremation will be accorded and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Cancer Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
